MENTORING The “essence” of Mentoring at Zeta Delta Chapter-at-Large & ONA Pam Di Vito-Thomas, MS, RN Region 2 Mentoring Committee
The “essence” of Mentoring Program Objectives • Compare and contrast current definitions of mentoring. • Recognize the process, stages, and functions of mentoring. • Explore the concept of Barmentoring in nursing practice. • Describe the “essence” of mentoring for Zeta Delta Chapter-at-Large & ONA.
Mentoring and the Purposes of Sigma Theta Tau International Recognize superior achievement. Recognize the development of leadership qualities. Foster high professional standards. Encourage creative work. Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession.
Historical Review of Mentoring • Mentor was the trusted friend of Odysseus and guide to his son, Telemacus • Athena appears as Mentor to Hercules • In ancient Taoism the principles of mentoring were based on insights into human living, leadership, succession, teaching and learning, giving and receiving wisdom in all relationships (Huang & Lynch, 1995)
Definitions of Mentoring in Research
“Mentoring occurs when a senior person (the mentor) in terms of age and experience undertakes to provide information, advise, and emotional support for a junior person (the protégé) in a relationship lasting over an extended period of time and marked by substantial emotional commitment by both parties. If the opportunity presents itself, the mentoruses both formal and informal forms of influence to further the career of the protégé.” Bowen, 1985
“Mentoring was a method for helping people grow to compensate in a supportive environment.” Muller-Smith, 1998
Mentoring is a nursing role.Parker, 1998
“Mentoring relationships help to promote the individual’s growth and development.” Belcher & Sibbald, 1998
The qualities of a mentoring relationship include modeling, supporting, envisioning, and investing. Cuesta, & Bloom, 1998.
Mentoring may be the most important developmental tool for the progression of a professional in trainingGalicia, Kilma, & Date, 1998
There is a lack of agreement concerning the definition of mentoring which is a major research obstacle.Hall, 1997
Is there a lack of agreementamong the definitions of mentoring in nursing research? Is there a consensus among the definitions of mentoringing in nursing research?
Characteristics of MentorsWashington (1997) Possess and share the following attributes in a nurturing way: • Willingness to share knowledge in a competent and honest manner • Give positive and negative feedback • Allow individuals to grow and develop • Giving advise • Guiding the novice through professional work issues.
Developing career path Providing information Easing transitions Increasing confidence Providing resources Stimulating ideas Developing skills and knowledge Strengthening one’s profession Decreasing stress Establishing networks Enhancing a sense of security Creating opportunity Enhancing collaborative efforts Purposes for MentoringRankin, 1991
Process of MentoringGailbraith, 1988 • Mutual goal setting - establish acceptable goals for action • Decision-making - seeking guidance for growth and confidence • Promotion of self-evaluation - move toward independence, access other professionals • Growth level - new information and experiences • Adult level - increased responsibility and accountability • Peer group - becoming a mentor for others
Stages of MentoringRankin, 1991 • Exploration - establish purposeful relationship • Initiation - purpose, parameters, imitations, goals • Early Development - with mentor on specific assignments • Working - promotion of the protégé • Closure - purposes have been achieved
Career Sponsorship Exposure and visibility Coaching Protection Challenging assignments Psychological Role modeling Friendship Counseling Acceptance Confirmation Mentoring FunctionsKram, 1985
Benefits of MentoringVance & Olson, 1998 • Career success and advancement • Personal and professional satisfaction • Enhanced self-esteem and confidence • Preparation for leadership roles and success • Strengthening of the profession
Types of MentorsCooper, 1990; Darling, 1985; Vance & Olsen, 1998 Good Mentors • Traditional - counsel and advise • Step Ahead - political guidance and task accomplishment within the organization • Co-mentor (peer-mentor) - mutual support and guidance • Group mentor - an entire organization, , association, school group, or community engages in various mentoring activities
Types of MentorsDarling, 1985 Not So Good • Avoider - never to be found • Dumper - leaves protégé to sink or swim • Blocker - denies access • Destroyer - criticizes
BarmentoringDi Vito-Thomas, P. (1998).
Barmentoring Barmentoring is conceptualized from the Greek word Barnabus which is translated as “son of encouragement”. The word encouragement is translated from the Greek word paraklesis, and is interpreted as a calling to one’s side, exhortations, appeal, request, comfort, and consolidation.
Barmentoring Encouragement is described as the fulcrum that maintains the balance between the dual purposes of the Barmentoring Relationship. • To promote constructive professional relationships. • To promote security in role transition and progression in clinical nursing practice
Language of encouragement Listening Open Reassuring Praise for doing a good job Constructive criticism Set goals Helpful suggestions Told to learn from mistakes Knowledgeable Taught at protégé’s level of understanding BarmentoringEncouraging Behaviors
Barmentoring“The leadership gained from the developmental refinement of the mentor/protégé relationship is a key to acting and thinking as a professional in nursing practice. Nevertheless, ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER”
Self Evaluation Mentoring Scale TBA • Not so good ___________ • Pretty good ___________ • Good ___________ • Very good ___________ • As good as it gets ___________
The Description of Mentoring for Zeta Delta Chapter-at-Large & ONA • Select significant statements from your group. Remember each statement has equal value. • Make meaning of the statements. • Cluster the meanings into themes. • Consider the themes. • Write a brief description of the “essence” of the mentoring experience for your group.
Group Descriptions ofMentoringIt gets very good
